With The First Pick
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Atlanta Falcons’ Youth Could Hold the Key for Super Bowl Return

By Bobby Bishop

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores in the second quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) scores in the second quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons’ youth movement should land them a trip to Super Bowl 52 in Minneapolis. 

While attempting to spare Atlanta Falcons’ fans of the 28-3 jokes, there is reason for optimism. 28-3 equals 25, which is the age many of the teams young play makers find themselves under. The improbable comeback by the New England Patriots will likely forever haunt Atlanta, however, it’s the Atlanta fans who could have the last laugh after next season. Atlanta is loaded with great young talent which helped them achieve a magical season. Once again, all of the team’s youth could help Atlanta earn back-to-back Super Bowl berths.

When talking of young players, the age cut off for this purpose is 25.  This leaves the talents of Jake Mathews (25), Deion Jones (22), Devonta Freeman (25), Tevin Coleman (24), Vic Beasley (24) and Keanu Neal (21). The past few drafts given the NFC Champions great production. General manager Thomas Dimitroff has put the falcons in a great position after a shocking super bowl run.

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Jake Mathews is a young talented tackle coming off his second season anchoring a solid offense line. He’s only missed one game which came during his rookie season. Starting every other game for the Falcons throughout his career, Mathews continues to produce and improve.

Deion Jones, the second year pro out of LSU emerged as a great talent last season. Tallying 108 total tackles, as well as 3 interceptions. He’s became a focal part of next seasons defense.

Devonta Freeman, one of the oldest players on this list, has emerged as a top back in the league. Producing close to identical numbers from 2015, he rushed for 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns.  He looks to take his talents up a notch, as well as Tevin Coleman, as they are in consideration for the title of “Leagues Best Backfield”.

Speaking of Coleman, in his second season he fought the injury bug. Missing 3 games, he still managed to have a promising season. The back out of Indiana rushed for 520 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also racked up 421 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. Coleman showed tons of talent and should continue to compliment Freeman next season.

Vic Beasley, coming into his third season out of Clemson busted his way into the spotlight last year. Leading the NFL with 15.5 sacks in only his second season. If the Falcons want to continue to build with the defense Beasley will have to be the main piece.

Atlanta also filled holes via the NFL draft. Trading up to the 26th overall pick the team selected Takk Mckinley out of UCLA. This pick should help the defensive line which has been lacking depth. With their second round pick the team selected line backer Duke Riley, which should help bolster their line backing depth. Riley was also a teammate of current line backer Deion Jones at LSU.

Atlanta shows talent across the board, on offense and defense. Last season might have ended in disappointed, but the experience should help turn that outcome around. Still needing help in the defensive backfield and along the defensive line, look for the young talent grow and compete for the Lombardi Trophy once again.

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